A disturbing video was released Wednesday by the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office showing a county correctional officer striking a handcuffed arrestee.
On Aug. 24, 2017, a man, who remains unidentified, was in the holding area of the San Joaquin County Jail after he was brought in for intoxication by officers with the Manteca Police Department.
The man was wearing a spit bag over his head after he allegedly attempted to spit on those officers, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office. At this time, Correctional Officer Matthew Mettler struck the man in the head while the detainee was sitting on the ground against the wall, as seen in the video.
Officer Mettler was immediately placed on administrative leave after the incident. He was later charged by the district attorney’s office with a misdemeanor count of assault by a public officer, the sheriff's office said.
“As Sheriff, I don’t condone the actions as portrayed on this video by our jail staff,” said Sheriff Steve Moore. “It is inconsistent with the professionalism of San Joaquin County Correctional Officers, and of this department. The action taken by the DA’s office is appropriate and we support their position.”